A small business in Davie is hoping to solve two crimes, both caught on surveillance video.
Total Rep Inc. sells electronics online out of a small warehouse in Davie near U.S. 441 and Griffin Road.
On March 12, two young girls walked in saying they were selling chocolates for charity. While they stood in front of an employee, a young man is seen on video swiping a laptop computer off a desk. He jets out the door, with the young girls following seconds later.
"There is an adult guy taking advantage of two little girls. That was really sad," business owner Rafael Villamizar said.
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A few days later another crime was committed, also captured on surveillance. That video shows a man using 34 counterfeit $20 bills to pay for an iPhone 5, an employee said.
Both incidents happened in a front office where a surveillance camera stares people right in the face.
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Employee Alberto Perez, who accepted the counterfeit bills, said they felt fake.
His phone conversation with the thief before the sale made him suspicious.
"When he called me I put the ad for the iPhone 5 for $650, the guy called me and told me I want to give you $680," Perez said.
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After the transaction the suspect left quickly – too fast for Perez to follow.
Workers used to feel secure working in the warehouse district. From now on, though, the front door will stay locked, even when they're open for business.
"Now my guys are not as comfortable working here as before," Villamizar said. "So it's not good for a small businessman like me."
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Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida